The CPR has the ability to change the way the UK timber trade operates and it will supersede the Construction Products Directive (CPD) next year.
From July 1, 2013, all wood based panel products sold, or intended to be sold, into construction must carry a CE mark. This will be easy for distributors of mass produced products like plywood, OSB, particleboard and MDF, even those for structural use, because it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to test the product and prove it fit for its intended purpose.
However, for post-treated flame retardant products the implication is more complex.
For flame retardant (FR) plywood and hardboard, that is "for which a clearly identifiable stage in the production process results in an improvement of the reaction to fire classification" (EN13986:2004), the distributor is the manufacturer and must take on those responsibilities.
EN13986 provided for this requirement but the CPD, as interpreted into UK law, did not make it a legal obligation.
The CPR does and any distributor who, after July 1, 2013, arranges the FR processing of their free issue panels and places them back on the market with a reaction to fire classification (eg Euroclass B or C) must have acquired a Factory Production Control (FPC) certificate issued by a Notified Body.
This must be supported by full and valid test evidence and provide a valid CE mark for the FR element of the panel’s performance.
